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Partnering for Success: Vocational Rehabilitation and the Transition to Adulthood FlyerThe Utah Parent Center is presenting a seminar called "Partnering for Success: Vocational Rehabilitation and the Transition to Adulthood." Emily Molinari from Pre-Employment Transition Services will teach how Vocational Rehabilitation and Pre-ETS can support students both inside and outside of school. Emily has been with USOR since 2024 and has had the amazing opportunity to work with many schools across the Salt Lake Valley. She also has experience working outside of schools after school and summer programs for youth.

 

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We’ve hit the stage all month long with different styles — country twang, rap rhymes, 80’s pop power, and boy-band harmonies — all to share one message: Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.

Now it’s time for the encore. Jordan School District is pleased to present “Don’t Get Hacked” — a high-energy video that pulls together the top security lessons we’ve been spotlighting all October. đŸŽ„

👉 Watch the video here 

🎾 From Week 1: Don’t Get Hooked by Phishing
 Stay sharp with your inbox. Spot the shady senders, suspicious requests, and too-good-to-be-true emails. Think before you click, partner! 🎣

đŸŽ€ From Week 2: Verify but Trust (Data Protection & Privacy)
 Before you share that file in Google Drive, double-check the crowd. Only the right folks get backstage passes — no oversharing allowed. 🔒

đŸŽč From Week 3: Don’t Stop Believin’ in Strong Passwords
 Make your password a chart-topper: long, unique, unpredictable. And let MFA provide the backup vocals that keep intruders off your stage. 🌟

🎙 From Week 4: Don’t Leave Us Hangin’ — Report It Fast
 Cybersecurity is a group performance, and timing matters. The faster you report suspicious activity — to security@jordandistrict.org, your building tech, or the Helpdesk at 801-567-8737 — the faster we can keep the music playing. ⏱

đŸŽ” Week 5 Encore: Don’t Get Hacked

The beat goes on with the final video. It’s your reminder that cybersecurity isn’t a one-hit wonder — it’s an everyday habit. Whether it’s protecting data, checking email, reporting fast, or locking down your account, we’re stronger when we all play in harmony.

So crank up the volume, enjoy the show, and remember: stay alert, stay protected, and don’t get hacked.

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In music, timing is everything. If the singers are ready at the mic but the beat never drops, the whole show falls apart. Cybersecurity works the same way — when you spot something suspicious, the faster you report it, the better we can keep the performance going.

 👉 Watch the video here

đŸŽ¶ Why Fast Reporting Matters

  • Quick reporting gives the security team time to block threats before they spread.
  • Early action limits the impact on staff, students, and systems.
  • Even if you’re not sure it’s dangerous, reporting it right away helps keep everything in tune.

đŸŽ€ How to Stay on Beat

Don’t sit on the beach staring at your phone like the guy in the video — jump in and hit the note:

  • Email: Send it to security@jordandistrict.org
  • In Person: Tell your building technician
  • By Phone: Call the Helpdesk at 801-567-8737

đŸŽ” Cybersecurity is a group performance. Don’t leave the band waiting — report fast, keep the harmony, and help protect the whole District.

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Below you will find information about a feedback survey for Utah’s Core Standards. We encourage you to participate in the survey as a way to provide your own input on the Utah standards.

Each year, the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) administers an annual survey seeking feedback from educators, parents, students, and other interested community members on Utah’s Core Standards.  Core Standards serve as the basic knowledge, skills, and competencies­ each student is expected to acquire or master as the student advances through the public education system.  The survey provides USBE with key insights into potential need for revision to the current standards.  The Utah Core Standards Revision Timeline details the current adoption phase for every content area. You can review the current core standards by visiting the USBE Utah Core Standards page.

The survey will be open for 30 days, from October 1 to October 31 and the results are expected to be reported to the Standards and Assessment Committee on December 5, 2026.  Thank you in advance for your engagement in this feedback process.

If you have questions, please contact Contact: Meghan Everette, Director of Teaching and Learning at meghan.everette@schools.utah.gov.

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Human Resources is pleased to announce this week's new openings for Education Support Professionals (ESP) positions across the District. We will be posting weekly highlights in JEM.

Featured New ESP Positions
Here is a brief ​description ​o​f the new ESP vacancies posted this week:

  • District Administrative Assistant IV, Full-Time at Administrator of Schools-High: Join the District level high school team by supporting them with a wide variety of administrative assistant functions.
    • Location: District Office, Campus View Drive
  • Service Desk Assistant, Part-Time: Provide first level of support from the Information Systems Department
    • Location: District Office, Campus View Drive
  • Facility Locksmith, Full-Time: Support all aspects of building access control through installation, repair and maintenance of locking mechanisms and hardware devices.
    • Location: Auxiliary Services, Redwood Road
  • Head Custodian IV High School, Full-time: Lead and perform cleaning and maintenance services at a high school including interior and exterior maintenance and event setup up.
    • Location: Bingham High

How to View and Apply
Each posted position has specific criteria and due dates. To see the complete list of vacancies and to ​apply, use this link:

Thank you for your continued dedication to Jordan School District students and families!

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eFunds for Schools - Step-by-Step Guide for StaffWe are excited to announce and provide a method for employees to pay their school meal balances remotely without going to the front office. Please see the attached instructions on how to set this up. Employees can also set up recurring payments and low balance notifications similar to parents.

Additionally, we want to remind employees that they should avoid having a negative balance on their meal account. Employees may not have a negative balance greater than $10.00.

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K-5 Teachers,

If you have not received training on the Open Up Math curriculum. Please sign up for our final training of the year using this link.

Training Details:

  • Day 1: Oct. 29, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
    ASB Presentation Room (Entrance C)
    Lunch will be on your own.
  • Day 2: Nov. 10
    (Half-day, grade-level sessions; details coming soon)

In these sessions we will dive deeper into evidence-based practices in mathematics, explore high-quality instructional mathematics materials, and gain strategies to strengthen your own student-centered learning environment.

We look forward to learning together and continuing to build a strong mathematics community!

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Don’t Stop Believin’ – Strong Passwords & MFA Keep Hackers Out
This week, we’re crankin’ up the synths and spotlighting Password Strength & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Just like a hit song from the 80’s, your password should be unforgettable — but not predictable. And with MFA backing you up, even hackers can’t remix their way into your account. đŸŽ¶

 👉 Watch the video here.

đŸŽ€ Password Hits of the 80’s (What Makes a Strong Track)

  • Make it long: At least 12 characters. The longer, the stronger.
  • Mix it up: Use uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols — like layering tracks in a song.
  • Avoid repeats: Don’t reuse the same password across accounts. One hit wonder? Great. One password everywhere? Not so much.
  • Skip the obvious: No birthdays, pet names, or “Password123.” That’s like playing the same three chords over and over.

đŸŽ¶ MFA: The Backup Vocals That Save the Show

Even the strongest password can fall flat without backup. That’s where MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) comes in:

  • Something you know (your password).
  • Something you have (your phone or a verification code).
  • Together, they make your login as solid as an 80’s power ballad.

Turn it on for your Google account and any other service that offers it.

So before you hit “login,” think like a pop star: make your password strong, let MFA sing backup, and keep the hackers off your stage. 🌟

Don’t stop believin’
 in cybersecurity!

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PEHP is doing their part to assist us to keep our claim costs down. This will help the District maintain the best medical plan possible and limit premium increases. If you participate in this program it saves both you and our plan money. PEHP has made updates to a program so you can either get cash back or pay a minimal $45 copay for high cost services. If you have met your out-of-pocket maximum the cash back is still available.

PEHP recently launched the Cash Back/Copay map to help members quickly identify where to go for the best value. It’s based on common surgeries and imaging procedures that can be done outside of a hospital facility, such as knee surgeries, colonoscopies, MRIs, and more. This new program runs alongside existing benefits to reward employees for making smart choices with their healthcare.

Here’s how it works when a member gets service at a facility included in this program:

Traditional Plans
(Automatic — No application needed)

  • Pay no more than $45 copay for all services — no deductible, no hidden fees.
  • Always earn cash back for certain preventive services (e.g., colonoscopy) at select locations.
  • After reaching Out-of-Pocket Maximum, additional cash back may be earned.
 High Deductible Plan 
(Application required)

  • Starts with cash back, once deductible is met, pay no more than a $45 copay until out-of-pocket max is met.
  • After reaching Out-of-Pocket Maximum, additional cash back may be earned.
  • Always earn cash back for certain preventive services (e.g., colonoscopy) at select locations.

To access the Cash Back/Copay Map, log in to your PEHP account and look for it under the Find Providers & Costs menu.

If you have any questions, please reach out to PEHP directly 801-366-7555 or Insurance Services at 801-567-8146 or insurance@jordandistrict.org.

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Fall 2025 DTL Big Six Winter Classes FlyerDigital Teaching and Learning wants to help teachers become Big Six certified this year. Preference will be given to first time DTL participants. The deadline apply for participation this year is Oct. 12. Our program includes stipends as teachers complete various steps in working with Big Six tools in their classrooms. As they complete each step, in order, teachers will receive that stipend.  Stipends are available for completing each step of the program (up to $600).

  • Multiple Part Program (Online Classes and In-Person Activities)
  • Online class begins: Oct. 13, 2025
  • Signup by: Oct. 12

Step 1-Complete the Big Six Certification Course
Our Big Six Certification Course provides teachers with an overview of each tool and helps participants demonstrate classroom application for each. Teachers must complete all assignments and submit them in Canvas to qualify for the stipend ($100). This seven-week course begins on Oct.13, 2025.

Step 2-Earn a Certification for One Big Six Tool
Starting in Jan. 2026, complete the JSD technology course for one of the Big Six tools and pass the certification requirement for that tool. Connect with your Digital Learning Specialist to develop a tech-enhanced lesson using an activity with the digital tool from your course. These lessons should be reviewed by the specialist and submitted in Canvas along with a reflection about your teaching experience ($350).

Step 3 - Teach your peers in a Tech PD Training
The final step in your technology journey involves teaching your colleagues in a PD in-service. Share your technology knowledge by leading a Tech Training in your building about the skill(s) you developed this year. Work with your Digital/Instructional Coach to coordinate your presentation and submit your assignment/reflection in Canvas ($150).

For questions about the program, please contact Jared Covili, Digitial Teaching and Learning Consultant, at jared.covili@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8191.

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Oct. 2025 Wellness Offerings FlyerComplete the survey to offer Wellness Classes
The Wellness Team is looking for employees who might be interested in offering wellness classes to our employees this year. These could be group fitness classes (Pilates, dance, Yoga, etc.) or hobby/creativity classes (sourdough, cooking, knitting, pottery, etc.). We are open to YOUR unique interests and skills and would love to create opportunities for you to share them with your colleagues!

Please fill out this brief form to apply to offer wellness classes to District employees.

We are hoping to provide a broad variety of wellness offerings throughout the year, including on Wellness Day (Friday, Feb. 6), PD Day afternoons, before and after school, and even during breaks. Complete the form indicating your preferences and needs to offer the class, and the Wellness Team will be in touch with you!

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Are you missing out on District emergency alerts and other important messages, like a snow day? Then it's time to take a moment to ensure your contact information and notification settings are up-to-date. This will be a two-step process involving Skyward and ParentSquare.

Update Your Contact Information in Skyward - In order to communicate with you, the following information needs to be updated in Skyward Employee Access.

  • A cell phone number to deliver text messages to you.
  • A phone number to deliver voice messages/calls to you.
  • These can be the same number.

To do this, login to your Jordan District email account and select Skyward Finance from the "waffle menu" in the upper right-hand corner.  A contact information form will be available once logged in.

Manage Your Notification Preferences and Office Hours in ParentSquare - Customize when and how you receive direct messages to align with your personal preferences. To access ParentSquare, navigate to ParentSquare.com and select "Sign in with Google." You will need to be logged in to your Jordan District email account. Here are two options to assist you in receiving messages when and how you choose:

  • Set Your Office Hours  - Use this option if you want to receive direct messages via text to your cell phone during custom set office hours, but not during off hours. ParentSquare Office Hours Tutorial
  • Update Notification Preferences - Use this option if you don't ever want to receive direct messages as a text to your cell phone and instead prefer to view them in the ParentSquare app or via email. ParentSquare Notification Settings Tutorial

Office Hours only apply to direct messages, while your notification preferences apply to direct messages, posts and school alerts. Urgent alerts cannot be disabled and will always be sent to all email and phone numbers available in ParentSquare.

Please update your contact information as soon as possible. Thank you for taking the time to ensure we can reach you when it matters most!

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Fall 2025 URS Retirement Presentation Schedule FlyerLet URS help you understand your benefits and plan a bright future. Whether you're age 20 or 90, whether you have three months or 30 years until retirement... This is for you.

Come learn about your URS benefits. Open to ALL full and part-time employees. Each session will cover URS savings plans along with Tier 1 and Tier 2 pension systems. All sessions will be held in the media center.

  • West Jordan Middle | Thursday, Oct. 16 | 4 - 5:30 p.m.
  • Fort Herriman Middle | Thursday, Nov. 13 | 3:30 - 5 p.m.

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Teachers,

Thanks so much to everyone who joined in the October Mastery Connect Practice Assessment! It’s been awesome to see how much your classes are growing and to hear about all the fun things happening across the District. We’re excited to highlight some top-performing schools and classes.  You can check out the results in the digital newsletter and on the paper copy coming in District mail.

Next up, the November benchmark assessment is required for all teachers. If your class meets the Nov. 7 goal, you’ll get a special visit from some surprise guests and a Planet Kindergarten Prize Pack! Also, principals whose schools hit the goal will also be celebrated at the principals’ meeting.

If you have any questions, check out our FAQ or just reach out.  We would love to support you to reach this goal in any way we can.

Thanks for everything you do!

The Literacy Team

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Dear Educators,

Starting Nov. 30, 2025, educators will no longer be able to access the CACTUS (Educator Licensing) platform. Instead, all licensing information will be available in the new USIMS platform.

To ensure a smooth transition, it is essential that you take the following steps:

  1. Set Up USIMS Profile:
    Begin by setting up your USIMS profile as soon as possible. This will allow you to access and manage your licensing information seamlessly once the transition is complete.
  2. Save Information from my.UEN CACTUS:
    Before November 30th, 2025, please save any important information you may need from the my.UEN CACTUS website. This step is crucial to avoid any disruption in accessing your licensing records.

For detailed instructions and support on setting up your USIMS profile and managing the transition, please visit the following link: USIMS Support and Instructions.

We understand that changes in systems can be challenging, and we are committed to supporting you throughout this process. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Brittany Bauer
HR Specialist, Licensing
801-567-8214
brittany.bauer@jordandistrict.org

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If you are a contracted employee and need to take Annual/Personal Leave before or after Thanksgiving on a “Critical Day” for any reason not listed in policy DP335NEG or DP335B, you must submit a request as follows:

How to Request
During the window, the employee must send the request through email. Please include your name, school, position, and the date you are requesting the leave. Requests left on voicemail or over the phone will NOT be accepted.

The employee will receive an email confirmation within two working days after submitting the request. If the employee does not receive a confirmation email, then Human Resources has NOT received your request and your leave will not be approved.

School Holiday Date of Holiday Critical Days Window
Thanksgiving Recess
(Licensed)		 Nov. 26-28, 2025 Nov. 25 and Dec. 1, 2025 Oct. 12 – Oct. 22, 2025
Thanksgiving Recess
(ESP)		 Nov. 27-28, 2025 Nov. 25 and Dec. 1, 2025 Oct. 13 – Oct. 23, 2025

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National Board Certification is a powerful and rewarding journey that recognizes and validates your expertise in the classroom. This is more than a credential; it's a commitment to professional excellence and an opportunity to lead and inspire.

We invite you to a special orientation meeting to learn how you can pursue this incredible distinction. This cohort is for anyone new to the journey AND those who have already started. We'll demystify the process and ensure you don't have to go it alone. Our district offers a supportive candidate cohort that provides a community for you to learn, share, and grow together. With your peers, you'll be able to work through challenges and celebrate every success.

You will leave this meeting with a clear, personalized plan for success. It's time to chart your path and take the next step.

  • When: Oct. 13 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
  • Where: ASB Auditorium

In this orientation, we will:

  • Dive into the 4 components of NBCT
  • Develop a plan for your NBCT journey
  • Receive access to the JSD NBCT Canvas Resources
  • Discuss requirements for applying for your own Professional Learning Facilitator (mentor)

Before attending this orientation, we recommend reviewing these NBCT Homeroom Session 1 materials to make the most of your time:

Questions? Contact:  Amy Wood, NBCT JSD NBCT District Facilitator at amy.wood@jordandistrict.org or 801-567-8136.

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Verify but Trust – Protect Data and Privacy in Google Drive
This week, we’re droppin’ the beat and focusing on Data Protection & Privacy. Before you hit “Share” in Google Drive, make sure you’re sharing smart. Just like in rap — every word matters, and once it’s out, you can’t take it back. đŸŽ¶

👉 Watch the video here


🎧 Rappin’ Rules for Keepin’ Data Tight
When you’re about to share a doc, slide, or sheet, remember the golden phrase:

“Verify but trust.” đŸŽ€

  • Who really needs this file? Verify it.
  • Do they need editing rights or just view-only? Verify it.
  • Is “Anyone with the link” turned on? đŸš« Stop the beat — verify it.
  • Are you sharing outside the District? Double-check — verify it.

If you can’t verify it, don’t trust it.
🔒 How to Lock Down Your Flow

  • Check your audience: Use the Share button to see who’s in the crowd.
  • Pick the right role: Viewer, Commenter, or Editor — not everyone deserves the mic.
  • Stick with District accounts: Keep collabs inside the Jordan School District whenever possible.
  • End the session: Remove access when the show’s over — old invites shouldn’t linger backstage.

Your files are like your verses — once they leak, you can’t take ‘em back. So before you drop that link, pause and say it with us:

đŸŽ¶ Verify but trust, verify but trust. đŸŽ¶

Protect privacy, respect the data, and keep our District info safe.

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Oct. 2025 Teaching & Learning NewsletterCheck out the links below for the latest updates from Teaching & Learning for the month. Learn Tips and Tricks, Sign Up for Upcoming PD, and Learn about Important Updates from the T & L team.

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Oct. 2025 Multilingual Family Night FlyerLanguage & Culture Services wants to celebrate our 2025 WIDA graduates. Our students work hard and we want to celebrate their linguistic greatness in reaching level 4.2 overall and level 3.5 on the speaking section in WIDA.

Come and watch our students receive awards and see them perform. Find out about parent resources, information about WIDA and get a free dinner.

Please come out and celebrate with your students and their families.

  • When: Oct. 16 | 6 - 8 p.m.
  • Where: West Jordan Middle